homesick: the moon jar

Thu, March 22, 2018

Homesick explores my sense of home, connectedness, and permanence, which was all challenged last year when a number of close family and friends moved away within a three-month period. By creating vessels, based on the historical Moon Jar form, for each person with whom I became disconnected from geographically, I confront and resolve the feelings of pain, sorrow, and abandonment. The vast emptiness of the voluminous jars is a symbol of my emotional journey.

Moon jars were made from mid 17th to mid 18th centuries in Korea and were primarily used as food storage jars. For me the large size signifies permanence or being settled in one place. The process of making these is very symbolic and deliberate for this body of work. The jars are made by throwing two large hemispheres or bowls and turning one upside down to attach to the other - two become one - metaphorically fitting with my journey of healing where connecting with those who have left is my attempt to make myself more whole.

The jars are made from Nova Scotia red earthenware clay. This clay has been the foundation of my studio practice, represents my home, and connection to this land. I purchase it from the local brick company less than 50 kms from my home, and mix it to my desired specifications. This not only allows me to adjust the clay body but also creates an increased intimacy with both my work and my land.

For Homesick, I had my family and friends collect dirt, soil, and rocks from their travelled destinations and I processed it to be added to the glaze. I am creating a permanent representation of the connection with these five people, the lands we live, and a moment in time.

This investigation of surface and form will allow me to not only challenge myself artistically and technically but will allow me to process the experience. The approach of creating the moon jar is complex and specific; the result, however understated, conveys a simple beauty for the viewer. This body of work is a continuance of the theme within my previous work exploring connections between the experience of wounds -- emotional or physical -- and the journey of healing.

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